Fighters' Picks for Mayweather-Canelo

In their roles as combat athletes and sport analysts, UFC fighters have a
unique perspective on this weekend’s boxing world championship between
Floyd “Money” Mayweather” and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Here, their picks
for Saturday’s massive main event.

Dominick Cruz: "I've got Mexican roots and I like Canelo. He's an inside fighter. He's got very good defense, super power punching, never gets tired and he wants it. He's got that look in his eyes, like 'I want to take what Mayweather has done and shatter it.' You can see that. And then you've got a guy like Mayweather, who just believes in himself. Some people call it arrogance, but I call it strength. Mayweather knows he's going to win in his own brain, and he trains hard. He's very focused and he's got so much experience. The biggest tale of this fight is going to be the defense of Mayweather. You can have as much offense as you want but if you have a good enough offense, you're not taking damage. I think Mayweather's going to be able to pull it off. My heart's with Canelo." (Hear more from Cruz)

UFC president Dana White: "I have no idea what to think. The key to this fight is Mayweather's hands -- how are his hands, how are they going to hold up during the fight. And if Canelo comes in and fights like Chavez and stays in his face the whole time and tries to wear him down, it's going to be a fun fight."

Anthony Pettis:
“This is without a doubt the toughest Mayweather fight to call thus
far. Normally it would be hard for me to bet against someone who shares
my Hispanic heritage but considering Floyd is the best boxer of all
time, I have to side with him. Also, one of my Milwaukee-born friends
who I train with, Luis Cuba Arias, recently joined Floyd’s team. He’s
been telling me great things about Mayweather’s camp leading into this
fight. At the end of the day he will just be too fast and elusive for
‘Canelo’ to handle.”

Gilbert Melendez: “Mayweather is very fast, comes in and out, can drive you crazy with his game. I like Canelo but I think Mayweather will win.”

Kelvin Gastelum: "I got Canelo Alvarez."Mark Munoz: "It will be a competitive fight. Canelo needs to cut Mayweather off and get inside. If Canelo can do that he definitely has a good chance of winning the fight. Mayweather does not want to be inside with Canelo. I give the nod to Mayweather though because he will counter back with lots of punches and move on Canelo even though Canelo can pack a punch." (Read more)

Urijah Faber: “It’s pretty hard to bet against Floyd Mayweather Jr. considering what he’s proven in the ring, but I really think that ‘Canelo’ can pull off the upset in this fight. He’s younger, he’s stronger, and he’s hungrier for the win. Obviously, Floyd will have a big defensive advantage and he’ll be quicker but he might be taking Canelo a little too lightly. At the end of the day I think that the underdog can get it done in there.”

Johny Hendricks: "It's hard to go against Mayweather. He is so good at playing his game in the boxing ring that I don't see anyone beating him until he retires. I think it's going to be a decision because Canelo is a tough fighter and don't see him going down."

Brandon Vera: "Mayweather by decision -- death by jab… then more jabs."

Travis Browne: “I’ve got Mayweather! I think he’ll take it by decision. It’ll be a much closer fight than people are expecting, but I think in the end Mayweather is just too elusive and much too fast for Canelo. He knows what he needs to do and he’s a gamer!”

Luke Rockhold: “I wouldn’t bet on it but I’m going with the ginger for a TKO in the later rounds. I think his power and aggressiveness can catch him somewhere along the way.”

Daniel Cormier: “Floyd Mayweather Jr. will win by decision. Floyd is too technical and is the finest defensive boxer in the game. He’s too smart to put himself in a bad position and will make proper adjustments throughout the fight. I’m not sure if Canelo has the experience to do that yet, but his future is very bright.”

Rory Macdonald: "Excited to watch and learn from Floyd Mayweather tonight as he shows his technical mastery in the ring! After watching All Access my girlfriend wants Canelo to win -- only problem is that she calls him canaloni."

Kenny Florian: "Canelo needs a good start and needs to beat up the body and bully Mayweather. Mayweather will use his defense and speed to frustrate Canelo. I'd love to see Canelo win but his troubles with Trout indicate Mayweather wins eight rounds to Canelo's four rounds."

Chad Mendes gives cameras a peek inside his healthy hunter's lifestyle and his chicken coop while Conor McGregor stays loose with a hot tub and soccer ball. Welterweight Rory MacDonald gets in one last workout, and Robbie Lawler arrives in Las Vegas.

07/07/2015

Chad Mendes continues to train hard in Sacramento, motivated by the magnitude of the upcoming event. His opponent Conor McGregor does the same in Las Vegas, capping his day with a big-city display of fireworks.

06/07/2015

Chad Mendes trades the gym for a pool to test his endurance. Conor McGregor enjoys a poolside massage and adds a few unexpected weapons to his arsenal. Plus, Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald do some final prep at home.

05/07/2015

Headliner Conor McGregor heads to Los Angeles for an appearance on Conan. In Sacramento, Chad Mendes discovers that his phone number has been published. Back in Vegas, McGregor gets in some training, and Mendes watches his foe’s late-night appearance.